Defense was once again the story for Tennessee Football as the Vols managed to beat the Florida Gators 23-17 in overtime at Neyland Stadium Saturday night. All three levels were elite. That’s not to say there weren’t stars who stood out on offense. Here are the torchbearers from the matchup representing the five best UT performances in the game.
5. Bryson Eason
Omarr Norman-Lott had one and a half sacks, Omari Thomas had one tackle for a loss, and Tyre West assisted in a tackle for a loss. However, Bryson Eason is the torchbearer for the Vols up on the defensive line. Eason had two tackles for a loss, including the key tackle in overtime that pretty much killed any chance Florida had of scoring a touchdown.
4. Arion Carter
Keenan Pili going down was brutal and sad for Tennessee Football, and the Vols have an issue there going forward. However, Arion Carter, who has been getting better each week, emerged as an elite playmaker for the Vols. Carter, finished assisting on a tackle for a loss, but most importantly, he had the key interception to set up the field goal the Vols hit to tie it up in regulation after trailing 10-0.
3. Jermod Mccoy
Boo Carter had his breakout game with a sack and an assist on another tackle for a loss. Rickey Gibson III was very good at cornerback. Jermod McCoy, however, was the star. The Oregon State Beavers transfer had two key knockdowns, one on a fourth down try by the Gators, and he played lockdown defense all night. UT finally has a shutdown cornerback, and that is a huge boost to its defense.
2. Dylan Sampson
Once again, it all fell on the run game for the Vols’ offense. After struggling in the first half, Tennessee Football got going in the second half, wearing down Florida’s interior line. That led to Cooper Mays, Javontez Spraggins and Andrej Karic getting a push, which is how Dylan Sampson had 27 carries for 112 yards and three touchdowns. Sampson was the star, but this was a collective effort.
1. James Pearce Jr.
Sacks are not necessary for James Pearce Jr. to make an impact. Living up to the No. 27 that Al Wilson forced against Florida, Pearce forced a goal-line fumble in the first half that basically kept Tennessee Football from shutting down. He blew up another play and finished with a tackle for a loss and half a sack. Despite the stats, Pearce affected the whole defense, so he’s the player of the game.
